The Witch’s Apprentice

The Witch’s Apprentice

Witchcraft is shrouded in a veil of mystery and for the beginner witch it can seem like an impenetrable fortress. Beginning is a matter of committing and believing, once this first step is taken you have a starting point. But be warned before entering the world of witchcraft, it is a lifelong journey and every corner you turn there is new magic to be learned. So if you are ready, eager, willing, committed, have belief and faith in yourself and what you are doing, you are in for a wondrous journey.

When reading about witchcraft and witches throughout history, it may seem to the beginner that only adepts, and those with a particular power can become witches of any note. This is not so, although without doubt there are individuals who have a predisposition towards sorcery as though born to it. Then again there are those who with practice, can become very successful in the art of witchcraft, and just like applying yourself to anything unfamiliar and untried, there are stages of learning and study involved. People from all walks of life embark on a path of magic and witchcraft, with this art there are no barriers and anyone curious enough to delve can become a witch.

The study of witchcraft is like any other form of study it is a craft, and like many arts will be the subject of conjecture. Each initiate has the opportunity to explore, learn, consider, hypothesise and ultimately decide what being a witch means to them. Witchcraft applies to witches, wizards, sorcerers and any person who performs magic and casts spells, channels or practices as a medium. Magic is considered to be an occult study, including divination and alchemy. Through the manipulation of energy it is a way for the individual to alter their environment through their will and the use of magical energy.

Being an apprentice witch and learning about the craft, does not require an intimate knowledge of the practice of witchcraft. Through some straightforward steps you can align yourself to the way of the witch and embrace the craft with faith, love, light, and a sprinkle of magic. Witches have an understanding of nature and are attuned to the fluctuations of the elements. They have an understanding of plants, flowers, and herbs which they use regularly in their craft. A witch will always pay attention to the Moon, as lunar energies have an affect on all things, the emotions of humans, animals, plants, and the worlds oceans, moods, and energy levels are influenced by the waxing and waning of the Moon. Everything has an aura and vibrational energy levels, and these energy levels are ever changing. By understanding the phases of the Moon, and the rhythms of nature, knowledgeable witches know when to plant, and when to use certain plants for healing or magic spells.

Solitary Witch -You can choose to be a solitary witch, this mean you prefer to have independence,and autonomy, and practice your craft alone, or you may wish to join a coven, this is a place where witches gather on a regular basis. The traditional number of witches to gather at a coven is thirteen, and this is considered an important number, but there are those who gather in covens of more or less than thirteen. Men or women may gather together at a coven. Solitary witches are also known as Hedge witches. These witches are not part of a formal group or coven, preferring to practice alone, many become adept at herbology and have a particular knack with healing.

Hereditary Witchcraft – The term hereditary witchcraft, is given to the witch who has inherited the magic gifts through genealogy. These witches are born usually to a magical family and begin their journey very early in their life, using the gifts handed down through the generations.

Traditional Witchcraft – The witches who take the journey of traditional witchcraft, are interested in science, and are followers of history and the arts, building a foundation for their craft. These witches are less inclined to follow nature, or participate in the worship of goddess or gods, preferring to work predominantly with the spirit world. When they work within their sacred space and cast their circle, they are open to receiving information from the spirit world. They also use herbs, flowers, and potions during their rituals and ceremonies. Some traditional witches are drawn towards the black arts, and work with banishing and repelling spells, or other types of magic that offer protection within the world of the occult.

Pagan religions -The modern day Pagan religions are at one with nature and the Earth, they practice herbology, flower remedies, hands on healing, distant healing, spell casting, magic and divination.

Invoking Energy – All witches need to believe in themselves, and accept that they become in tune with cosmic energy when they call upon higher realms, invoking angels, archangels, and deities. The energy of the cosmos channels through them and the responsible witch learns how to control and bend energy to their will. Thus moulding and shaping the energies to then direct this energy for healing, channeling, aura readings, spirit writing and spirit art. All matter vibrates with an energy, and through meditation the energy can be built up, opening the witch to energies, and messages not perceivable with their everyday senses. As witches work on themselves through meditation, magical and healing practices. The witch works with power raising rituals and ceremonies, the physical, psychic and spiritual energies of the witch then meld with the energies of the cosmos, creating a bolt of power. As the energies of the witch and the energies of the cosmos become one, a magical pathway is created for the energy to flow through. Proficient witches are able to draw down the energies of the Moon, and they are able to draw energy from the Earth and the ether. The witch becomes a vessel for energy, spiritual enlightenment and enormous power with which to work.

Witchcraft Tools

Athame (special blunt knife) – This tool is usually black and is a double edged knife, it is not sharpened, before using it the witch anoints it with essential fragrant oil. It can also be used when the witch forms the magic circle. It is used to create symbols in candles and can be engraved by the owner, it is always kept in an opulent piece of fabric, silk, satin, velvet. This anthem in rituals is used as a phallic symbol as a representation of the goddess and god, from the goddess and the god new life is formed.

Bell – The bell is used by witches and Buddhists during rituals and ceremonies and is used to open and close the magic circle.

Besom (the witch’s broom) – A witch uses the broom to sweep away negative or untoward energies, the broom is used to clear the sacred space before the circle is drawn, and any type of magical activity begins, whether meditation, ritual, spell casting or divination.

Boline (knife) – This knife is only used by witches for cutting herbs, and for the preparation of flower remedies.

Book of Shadows (Grimoire) – The Book of Shadows charts the journey of witches, solitary witches keep their own grimoire, and coven or group witches usually share a communal Book of Shadows. Nothing is ever removed from this sacred journal, information is only ever added. In a Book of Shadows the witch documents everything, spells, meditation techniques, deities, angels, archangels and any other spirits and energies the witch works with. Recipes for healing remedies, and chants for spells are documented, and any books relevant to the work of the witch.

Candles – The main candles are the coloured candles used to represent the four elements, Earth, Fire, Air and Water. North, South, East and West. These candles are placed at the four corners of the circle before any rituals begin, one white candle always sits in the center of the altar, this can be used for the witch to focus on and meditate into.

Cauldron – Historically the cauldron represents the cycle of birth, renewal, rebirth and transformation. A small cauldron can be purchased and is a significant part of the witch’s tool kit.

Chalice – This is a cup used in ceremonies dedicated to the goddess energy and the feminine (yin) energies of water.

Clothing – It is not required these days for a witch to wear special robes when practicing witchcraft, although some witches prefer to do this to create a sense of ceremony. If you choose to wear particular garb as you work your magic, use the clothes you wear only for your witchcraft practices.

Paton – A paton, or altar paton is something like a shield, it is a metal five pointed star inscribed on a small piece of wood.

Pentacle – A five pointed star, usually in silver is enclosed within a circle and the symbol is always aligned with witchcraft and magic. The bringing together of spirit and Earth is the symbolism.

Sage and Salt – These are used for purifying, sage for cleansing unwanted energies, and burned to be used to cleanse the air and move any blocked energy. Salt is often used to consecrate a magic circle, and to purify, crystals can be purified and cleansed using salt.

Thurible (incense burner) – A witch uses the incense burner to represent the elements of Fire and Air, again this is something that is used to purify a sacred area and can also be used if there have been any negative energies in your home.

Wand – No witch would be without their wand, and a wand is a particularly personal object. The wand signifies, magic, healing, Earth and the cosmos, witches can use it to direct energy and cast the magic circle.

The Sabbats – There are eight sabbat rituals in a year;

Yule – The celebration of the goddess giving birth to the god, the Winter Solstice.

Litha – The peak of God’s strength, bonfires are lit to ward off evil spirits. The Summer Solstice.

Lughnasadha – The goddess relinquishes control to the god, celebrated August 1.

Magon – The balance between dark and light, the Pagan day of Thanksgiving. The Autumn Equinox.

Samhain – Halloween, on this night the dead are able to communicate with the living and celebrate with them.

Practicing Witchcraft

As you practice witchcraft, look at it like any new skill, allow yourself to go through the four stages of learning. The stages of learning are the first, “Unconscious Incompetence,” this is the beginning when you are trying something new that you haven’t done before, and you do not know what to expect or where your strengths may lay. The second stage of learning is “Conscious Incompetence,” this is where you are trying to learn the new skill and are testing your strengths and weaknesses. The third stage of learning is the “Conscious Competent,” stage, at this point you find you are able to accomplish your new found skills but concentration is still required and all your attention necessary. The fourth stage is the one you want to reach this is “Mastery,” you have reached a level where you feel comfortable and an adept at what you are doing, it becomes natural for you to perform your skills. As a beginner witch, be patient with yourself and keep evolving, and as you reach one level of knowledge and master it, prepare for the next level and approach with a strong will, dedicated, intention, and faith in yourself. Witchcraft is a journey of discovery that offers surprises around every corner.

There are witches who practice kitchen/cottage witchcraft, much of their work is done in the home, around the hearth and in the kitchen. They usually grow their own herbs and their entire home is their sacred space. They work as healers, and are proficient spell casters, they are often quite diverse in their magic practices, and are often the innovative witches.

Many witches like to cast their spells within a fairy ring, because by spell casting within a fairy ring, potency is added to the spells, witches long ago liked to perform rituals and cast spells at fairy sites as they believed the powers there were concentrated.

Pagan witchcraft is practiced by those who take part in the ritual of non-orthodox religion, anyone who is outside the confines of what is considered orthodox religion is considered a Pagan.

The Threefold Law – You have no doubt heard about witch’s curses, this is done by a witch casting a spell and wishing a person evil intent. This is against the Threefold Law of Witchcraft, and even though it is within the skill of most practicing witches, it is not acceptable. The threefold Law is based on the premise that whatever you magically send out to others, whether good or evil, will come back to you with three times the power, it is known as “The Witch’s Creed.”

Ever Mind the Rule of Three”

“Three Times Your Acts Return To Thee”

The threefold law is the basic philosophy of witchcraft, the number three is symbolic of magic and the energy that goes out into the universe, the energy then returns into the world to manifest in the way the witch desires.

Sacred Space – Before you begin any magic practice,you create a sacred space for yourself by casting a circle, within this circle your witchcraft growth will take place, after you have called the circle you call the four elements, you then summon the guardians to protect the elements and the circle. A circle is your sacred area in which to meditate, perform rituals, and participate in any form of witchcraft, and spell casting. This is your protective barrier and helps you to make the connection between earth and the ethereal. During this ritual energies are raised that you will direct to attain your desired magic goal. You begin your work once you have cast your magic circle, you learn to be a practicing witch within your sacred circle. The more you do this the faster you will develop and understand the energies you are working with. Write in your journal each time you meditate and you will be able to review your progress and chart your course.

Altars – Altars have been used for ceremonies, both religious and otherwise for aeons, there are historic associations with the Goddess and Mother Earth, who rule the wheel of birth – death – rebirth. Wiccans and Pagans, place their altar inside a magic circle, facing either east or north, if they are connected to a coven, the altar will be placed in keeping with the coven’s traditions.For a solitary witch to set up an altar there are no hard and fast rules to follow, although it is necessary to have an altar when you are practicing witchcraft. It can be a simply constructed one, or more elaborate, it is whatever the individual desires. You may use any flat, firm surface, a table, desk, dressing table, a plane wooden box with a beautiful piece of fabric placed over it. On your altar you can place anything associated with occult practices. This will be your sacred space where you go to meditate, chant your spells, conduct rituals and generally practice witchcraft. You are the witch, it is your space and what is pleasing to you, although I would suggest a beautiful cover of some sort to place on your table, unless it is a particularly beautiful piece of furniture without any need of decoration.

Here you will meditate, place crystals, candles, amulets, talismans, magic statues and incense, fragrant oils and figurines, statues or images of deities. One male and one female statue, placed at opposite ends of the altar will represent the yin and yang energies. Usually the goddess statue is placed to the left of the altar, and the god statue to the right. You could use a pentacle, a bell, at least one crystal, a small cauldron and a wand, as all witches have their trusty broom, a witch’s broom may be placed to the left of the altar leaning against it. Your Book of Shadows can be placed on the left hand side of your altar. Have everything at the ready before you begin your meditation and magic practices.

Amulets – are objects imbued with magical properties and the amulet can be used as a protection against evil or misfortune, they are among the most powerful protectors. The ancient civilisations believed in amulets and witches wear them as a necklace, carry one with them, and have amulets in their home. Amulets are made from a variety of materials, and fashioned into various shapes, worn as necklaces, rings or bracelets, some have inscriptions carved into them, others have precious or semi-precious gems. The amulets are then imbued with magical powers of protection, usually through chanting and spells.

Pentacle – In Wicca, the silver pentacle the religious symbol of the craft, is the most powerful amulet that can be worn, and many following the path of the witch wear one, silver has amuletic properties. During rituals undertaken by the solitary witch or within a coven, the sign of the pentacle is drawn in the air as protection. The pentagram is the five-pointed star pattern, believed to be imbued with magical powers and is used in magic circles for the purposes of ritual magic. It is also used as a means to aid transmission with the spirit world.

Herbs and Fragrant Oils – Herbs, fragrant oils, anointed flowers and plants can be placed in a charm bag and used as an amulet, some witches carry a bottle of fragrant oil mixed with herbs in a silver container around their neck. An amulet with an inscription is a charm, amulets are generally worn around the neck. They can be used to protect the home, business, health, historically they were often used to guard tombs.

Ankh – The Egyptians were great believers in amulets, for fertility a frog amulet was used. The ankh is the Egyptian symbol of life, regeneration, immortality, the ankh, means “life” and “hand mirror.” The ankh is a protection against negative energies, it is an auspicious symbol and stands for benevolent energies and good fortune. Animal shapes were often crafted and used for amulets, a universal symbol of protection is the eye. Phallic symbols are represented by hands and horns and are a protection against the evil eye.

Scarab Beetle – The scarab beetle means resurrection after death and protection against evil, it is also the symbol against difficulties and the ability to overcome. Even within a dead scarab there is life as tiny scarabs use the shell as their home and emerge as beautiful insects bringing the message life carries on. The scarab beetle is known to roll mud ball and this is considered a type of worship, witches consider the scarab a symbol of the continuation of life through rebirth, to the Egyptians it was a sacred creature. Scarab talismans and amulets were worn in ancient Egypt, witches are fully aware of the power of the scarab, believing it a powerful amulet. The scarab amulet can be infused with magical powers through the use of essential oils, herbs, chants magic spells and rituals.

Magic Symbols – Magic symbols are often inscribed on necklaces, bracelets, and rings to be used as amulets, also the names of powerful deities, goddesses and gods, numbers and magical words. It is believed that by using the name of a particular deity, you are tapping into divine power.

The Triple Goddess – The principle female deity of witchcraft, based on early Celtic images is, The Triple Goddess. The three personalities are the youthful Diana goddess of the hunt, the maiden, Luna goddess of the Moon, the mother, the old Crone.

Wand – For all dedicated witches, a wand is an important tool, it also works as a focus for energy and magic. The wand dates back to the fifteenth century when witches and sorcerers used their wands for all types of magic, they pointed, chanted, and magic happened. For the novice the wand is used to help focus on, and build energy for their magic practices, it becomes charged with energy through use. Some use very simple wands, others more elaborate ones, studded with precious and semi-precious stones and feathers, and magic inscriptions, such as rune stone symbols, Celtic symbols, the ankh, scarab, five pointed star or the infinity sign.

The Astral Plane – Hidden energies emanate from the astral plane, it is the realm of higher existence, during deep meditation you can visit the astral plane for healing, guidance and wisdom. This is the higher realm of the supernatural, where otherworldly events take place. The astral world surrounds us and within this realm all our emotions and thoughts are contained, through meditation practice you are able to astral travel, leading to spiritual enlightenment and psychic awareness. To successfully astral travel, a clear and open mind, and a powerful will are needed.

Bells – Witches use bells before meditating and creating spells as the sound of the bell repels evil spirits, the sound of the bells is symbolic of creative and divine power, their shape is symbolic of the female force. The sound vibrations of bells as they ring possess magical powers and a spiritual energy, Buddhists use bells during their ceremonies and as a prelude to meditation. Bells are used as fertility charms, and for healing purposes, in the past the ringing of bells was said to drive away evil spirits. Bells are also used to call fairies, and on nights when witches are thought to be about bells are rung to keep the witches away.

Book of Shadows (grimoire) – The first thing all witches require is their ‘Book of Shadows,’ (grimoire.) This is the journal in which you write down absolutely everything you do pertaining to witchcraft, you document any occult studies, spells, healing, lotions, potions, and magic of any sort. This is the journal that will record your journey into the world of witchcraft, and is something that will prove to be invaluable during your magical journey. The Book of shadows is a book of rituals, magic, and healing lore, it is documented to teach, inspire, and guide, and offer ethical standards for all witches. Solitary witches pass their books down through the generations, covens document their practices and pass their spell crafting, rituals, ceremonies and healing practices down. Nothing is ever removed from the Book of Shadows, only added. The high priestess, or high priest, was traditionally the keeper of the Book of Shadows for the individual covens, and only one copy existed.

Power of the Witch – Witches are required to use the power of their rich imagination to the fullest, to nurture it and believe that anything is possible. Potent visions make for potent charms and spells, making you a very effective sorcerer. Some of the most powerful witches have colourful imaginations they are able to channel into their magic as a practicing witch you are going beyond the confines of day to day life. It is necessary for the witch to have a firm and focused will. To help you align to the witch’s craft light a candle, then sit and focus on the flame for several minutes, it helps you to hone your awareness, a little like doing warm up stretches before you begin exercising.

Witches are strong willful, independent entities, who will speak up for what they believe, and stand up for themselves. This is to do with the power of the will, a witch will be more daring than the average person and they always have the courage of their convictions. So if you are someone who is timid and never stand up for yourself, you will find the witch’s journey empowering, as each day you take a new step of strength. All magical and spiritual leaders, and teachers, have a strong will, and the utmost faith in themselves and what they practice and preach. When a witch gives her word, she is giving her witch’s honour. You will learn how to heal yourself by channeling the cosmic energies and working with light. Because of the powerful energies a witch works with, your psychic, spiritual, healing, intuitive, and telepathic abilities strengthen. You will learn how to heal yourself by channeling the cosmic energies and working with light. Because of the powerful energies a witch works with, your psychic, spiritual, healing, intuitive and telepathic abilities strengthen.

Angelic Assistance – A practicing witch will often call upon the protective energies of angels, or archangels. Angels are beings of light and reside on the spiritual plane, when they are seen by individuals they have the appearance of a beautiful white being with golden hair and huge wings. The lowest winged beings are angels, the highest winged beings are known as Seraphin.

Casting the Circle – Casting the circle is something you do before you begin meditating and prior to any spell casting or magic rituals, this is your circle of protection within which you perform your psychic work, meditation, and spell casting. You then call upon the four elements, earth, air, fire, water, and the archangels for protection. The archangels are responsible for issues concerning the human race in its entirety, four well known archangels are Michael Fire, Gabriel Water, Raphael Air and Uriel Earth.The goddess and god energies are invoked and bring divine energy to the circle. Your part is to then raise, and direct the energies that are channeling through from the cosmos. Once you have completed your magic work, centered, grounded, and closed yourself off, you thank the guardians, the gods and goddesses for their presence, finally you close off the circle.

The more you work in the world of witchcraft and magic the more you will appreciate the ritual of meditation and the invoking of energies to work with you. Each time you perform your circle opening, invoking, and working with universal energies, you will gain a greater insight into what it is to be a witch. You are working with intangible and indefinable energies, you are receiving wisdom from higher realms, connecting with the divine within, and the divine without. How you work with these energies is entirely up to you as an individual practitioner of magic. Before the circle is cast the area can be purified and cleansed using incense, burning sage, and sprinkling salt.

Meditation

Chakras – Within us there are seven spiritual energy centers, beginning at the base of the spine and ending at the crown. Energy is drawn into the body through the chakras, each one is a different colour, you begin with the base chakra which is located at the base of the spine.

(1) Red, base chakra

(2) Orange, navel/sacral chakra

(3) Yellow, solar plexus chakra

(4) Green, heart chakra

(5) Blue, throat chakra

(6) Purple, third eye chakra

(7) Violet, crown chakra

Chakra Meditation – With this type of meditation you open up all seven chakras, beginning with the first, the base chakra, and finishing with the seventh, the crown chakra. When you open up all seven chakras, energy moves very quickly through the body, surging from the top of the head out to the cosmos. The energy of the cosmos then pours down through the crown chakra and enters your body, making you an open channel ready to receive information, wisdom, and healing energy.

If you wish to try chakra meditation, begin after you have regulated your breathing, and become very still and relaxed. You then close your eyes and visualise the chakra colours, beginning with the base chakra which is red, and located at the base of the spine. Visualise a glowing red ball of light moving upwards, merging with a glowing orange ball of light moving upwards, merging with a glowing yellow ball of light moving upwards, merging with a glowing green ball of light moving upwards, merging with a glowing blue ball of light moving upwards, merging with a glowing purple ball of light moving upwards, merging with a glowing violet ball of light, bursting from the crown chakra, flowing out into the universe. Visualise the white energy of the cosmos pouring downwards into the crown, opening and merging with the violet light surging upwards. Once your chakras are open, you are ready to begin listening to the cosmos, sit like this for at least 15 minutes, and if you are able, up to 30 minutes.

When you have completed your meditation, count down from ten to one, take three deep breaths, open your eyes. From this moment you are ready to commence your magic work, this can be anything from spell casting, performing rituals, divination, healing, working with herbs, creating spells, or summoning ghosts, gods, goddesses or angels. To close yourself off after you have finished your witchcraft activities, perform the chakra meditation in reverse, you do this by closing your eyes, then beginning with the crown chakra you visualize the light moving down to the base chakra. Count from three to one and open your eyes, after you have closed yourself off you then close the circle.

Silver light meditation – when first learning to meditate start with something simple such as a lighted candle that you focus on for a few minutes, then with closed eyes, and breathing deeply, visualise a silver light beginning at the base of your spine and spilling from the top of your head. This opens you up to receive energies channeled from the cosmos. After you have come out of your meditation and completed your magic work, it is important to close yourself off, and close the circle. Close yourself off by reversing the silver light meditation, then count to three and open your eyes.

The Power of the Circle – The circles cast by witches are created to form a sacred space where the witch may work. Once a circle is cast by a ceremonial magician or a witch, it protects the participant from all forces and is a sacred space within which to work. A witch’s magic circle is nonphysical and has a power all its own, within this environment, angels, gods and goddesses, and spirit energies become part or ritual practices. The circle also holds within it power and repels anything that distracts, it is a serene haven for the witch to work within. An energy sphere is created within your magic circle.

Once you have decided on your sacred area in your home, the space where you will place your altar and practice your rituals, you are ready to cast your circle. You can draw the circle using a lighted candle in a candle holder, a stick of incense, a wand shaped crystal, an athame or a wand. You first place four coloured candles on your altar, or in candle holders in the four cardinal directions. A green candle representing Earth, is placed in the north, a red candle representing Fire, is placed in the south, a yellow candle representing Air, is placed in the east, a blue candle representing Water, is placed in the west. These elements are known as the Watchtowers, the cardinal points invoked during a ritual, they are also linked to angels and archangels, or spiritual beings. After your candles have been lit and you have drawn your circle and visualised the elements, you may then summon four archangels as the watchers. For the north watchtower Uriel representing Earth – for the south watchtower Michael representing Fire – for the east watchtower Raphael representing Air – and for the west watchtower Gabriel representing Water.

Before each witchcraft session prepare your sacred space, light your candles, incense, oil burners, place your candles representing the four elements on your altar, or place them North, South, East, West, on the edge of your circle. You then draw your circle and call upon goddesses or gods, spirits, guides, angels, or archangels. Stand with whatever item you are going to use, in your left hand, you then turn in a full circle clockwise, visualising a circle of protection being drawn. Complete the circle so that the ends meet and form a magic seal.

Once you have cast your circle and invoked the entities you will be working with, you can begin your meditation. From your meditation you begin your witchcraft practice, this may be holding a piece of jewellery and practicing reading its energy and history. Or you may wish to use tools such as tarot cards, runes, palmistry, astrology or numerology. A circle can be drawn as a prelude to meditation and Feng Shui work. When creating and practicing spells, bear in mind that all spells begin with an intention, you may be creating your circle as a prelude to any of the many healing practices.

Upon completion of your meditation, rituals, spell casting and general magickpractices, close down the circle, and before doing this close yourself off as well. Follow the opening and closing rituals, the circle can be closed by holding the athame in one hand and turning around in a full circle in an anti-clockwise motion. You are officially closing the circle, or releasing the circle. Do this religiously after you have completed your magic work.

As an aspiring witch, be aware that for you to perform magic you are required to embrace the concept that witchcraft is the raising and channeling of energy, this energy is within you and when you draw on it you will be aligned and in harmony with the universe and natural energies. Once you have acknowledged that you are a witch you have begun, it is a nice touch to light a beeswax candle and say the words “I am a witch,” three times, then turn one full circle three times, moving clockwise. You have thus taken your initial step of commitment to the craft and you will be observing the natural power ebb and flow of the universe, and learn how to work with these energies.

Go into any esoteric outlets that attract you and familiarise yourself with any tools of the craft, such as tarot cards, runes, crystals, or any psychic or spiritual paraphernalia that may interest, or appeal to you. It may be that becoming a healer interests you and there are many doorways which you can approach, such as Feng Shui, reiki, hands on healing. This is a way of honing your energies and finding out where your strengths lay and what you are drawn to.

Once you begin walking the witch’s path, you will find your own way and gain a feeling into what type of witch you want to be, the way you walk the path is your unique journey. As a practicing witch you will find you develop the skills to make positive changes and adjustments to your day to day living, through acquiring a greater understanding of yourself and the energies of the universe. Witchcraft gives you the opportunity and the power, to remould your life, and if you do not like the reality in which you are living, you can change it.